Aryan Khan not a ‘scapegoat’, says Sameer Wankhede, refutes Shah Rukh Khan's chat leak allegations

Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) zonal director Sameer Wankhede has opened up about the controversy surrounding Aryan Khan’s 2021 arrest in the drugs-on-cruise case. He strongly rejected claims that Aryan was made a “bali ka bakra” (scapegoat) and dismissed rumours linking him to Shah Rukh Khan’s private chat leaks.

In an interview on the YouTube channel Mama’s Couch, Wankhede spoke about the investigation without discussing Aryan directly, citing a court affidavit. He explained the legal framework behind arrests in narcotics cases, highlighting that possession alone is not the sole factor. “People have this misconception that if no drugs were found on you, there won’t be any action. If someone is caught with drugs, then someone must have manufactured it, someone must have supplied it, and someone must have intended to buy it. The law requires that the entire chain be investigated. So, no, there was no scapegoat. Every arrest was based on conscious possession, electronic evidence, and statements,” Wankhede said.

He emphasised that operations like these involve multiple officials, detailed verification, and proper documentation. “It’s not just Wankhede who’s doing it all. There are a lot of procedures,” he added, countering claims that the case was mishandled or biased.

Aryan Khan was arrested on October 2, 2021, after a raid on the Cordelia Empress cruise ship off the Mumbai coast. The cruise, bound for Lakshadweep, allegedly hosted a rave party, and several individuals, including Aryan and his friend Arbaaz Merchant, were detained.

Although no drugs were found on Aryan, he was charged under sections related to conspiracy and drug consumption and spent 25 days in custody before securing bail. Later, the NCB’s Special Investigation Team cleared him of any involvement in drug consumption or trafficking, closing the chapter officially.

Wankhede’s remarks come amid ongoing speculation and media attention, as he continues to defend the integrity of the investigation while firmly denying any personal misconduct, including the leaking of Shah Rukh Khan’s private chats.

This interview sheds light on how high-profile narcotics cases are handled and aims to clarify misunderstandings about the legal process, arrests, and the role of officials in such investigations.